Basketball: Belarus women in semifinals at EuroBasket 2015

Belarus fend off Lithuania 68:66 to claim a semifinal spot for the first time in six years.

Belarus' national women basketball team has advanced into EuroBasket Women 2015 semifanls after edging neighbors Lithuania in a dramatic fight-off 68:66 (16:10, 17:9, 18:24, 17:23) on Wedensday 24 June. Anastasiya Verameyenka had a near double-double of 15 points and nine rebounds, while Lindsey Harding had 12 points, eight assists and six boards. But there was also a hugely valuable cameo by Maryia Papova with a very efficient 10 points and four rebounds.

Serbia secured a semifinals spot after defeating Turkey 75:63 (18:18, 10:9, 26:11, 21:25). On Friday, Belarus will clash with Turkey in a seminal.

Having advanced into the top four among the best teams at the continent, Belarusians also made it to the pre-Olympic qualification tournament to take place in 2016.

On Thursday, two other quarterfinals will be played between Spain and Montenegro, France and Russia.

The final and the match for the 3rd place is scheduled for Sunday, 28 June.